The origins of plastic plywood can be traced back to 1940 during World War II. Due to severe material shortages during the war, there was insufficient log supply to meet demand. Therefore, it was first developed by a factory in Bremen, Germany.

At the time, the remaining wood chips and sawdust from logs after cutting and sawing were combined with resin (adhesive) and then pressed under high temperature to form boards. The advent of plastic plywood addressed urgent military needs and became a building material for postwar reconstruction and construction.

The huge market demand for plywood has led other countries to invest in the research and development and production of plastic plywood. Today, advancements in raw material supply, production processes, and functional applications have led to improved quality and a variety of textures, making plastic plywood a mainstream interior decoration material.

In Taiwan, the national standard CNS-2215 defines this as cosmetic chipboard, abbreviated as MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard). However, it's more commonly referred to as plywood, system cabinet board, etc. It's called chip board in Europe, particle board in the United States, and particleboard in mainland China.

Plywood, before a decorative layer is applied, is generally referred to as bare board or plain board. Viewed from the side, it can be divided into three layers. The middle layer is composed of coarse fiber, a structurally staggered and uneven arrangement of thicker, coarser, and varying-sized wood chips, creating a strong structural layer that increases the board's strength and stability. The upper and lower layers are composed of fine fiber, formed from smaller wood chips and fine powder to create a dense, smooth surface. Finally, the board undergoes a grinding process to enhance its smoothness, allowing it to be processed and pressed with decorative materials.

The decorative material used on the surface of plywood, commonly known as melamine paper, is made from kraft paper printed with a high-precision, realistic pattern. The paper is then soaked in melamine glue, with the soaking time precisely controlled by computer calculations to ensure even glue distribution. Melamine paper offers a variety of appearances, allowing for a variety of colors and patterns to enhance the surface of decorative plywood. It also boasts durability, heat resistance, moisture resistance, and ease of cleaning. It also meets environmental standards for low formaldehyde levels and is widely used in interior decoration, offering a wide range of design options and satisfying functional needs.